“Walking together on a path.” That is one definition of synod.

You can recognize that word in Luke 2:44: “Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day.” That verse is part of the narrative where 12-year-old Jesus traveled with Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem. “In their company” in the Greek language is synodia.

While it is clear what synod means, the word can still be confusing to some. Thirty years ago, I was serving as a parish pastor in Florida. An insurance agent who was not familiar with our church walked into my office one day. When the conversation ended, he asked me, “Oh, by the way, how do you pronounce your last name?”

I laughed and said, “It doesn’t get much easier than that.”

“No,” he said, referencing the church sign outside. “Is it SIGH-node or si-NODE?” The outdoor sign displayed the church’s name with “Wisconsin Synod” underneath it. He thought Synod was my last name (and Wisconsin my first?). Needless to say, I did not buy any insurance from him.

Then there was another incident about a year later. My wife and I were visiting relatives in Germany. Unbeknownst to me, a cousin had arranged for a former professor of hers to provide lodging the night before our return flight home. During our conversation, when the professor learned that I was a WELS pastor, he said, “You take the Bible very seriously.” The Wisconsin Synod resonated with him.

It was wise King Solomon who observed that “two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). There is strength in numbers.

The same truth applies to churches working together. Imagine a single congregation trying to plant mission churches domestically and internationally. Think of one congregation attempting to devise and operate a program to train called workers. Picture a local congregation striving to create worship materials, Bible studies, and Christian literature for people of all ages. With the Lord’s help and strength, anything is possible. A very gifted congregation could make an impact in these types of ministries.

But now think of the possibilities when one congregation joins another congregation in carrying out ministry. Borrowing imagery from Solomon, in WELS’ case, “1,237 (congregations) are better than one.”

With 1,237 congregations working together, WELS is able—only with the Lord’s help and strength— to plant mission churches domestically and support international missions; operate a program to train called workers; create worship materials, Bible studies, and Christian literature for people of all ages—and so much more.

Anniversaries like WELS’ 175th this year provide opportunity to reflect on God’s gracious blessings. One of the obvious blessings is the union of hundreds of congregations that view Jesus Christ and God’s Word the same way: He alone is the Savior, and the Bible is God’s inspired and inerrant Word.

It was Solomon’s father, King David, who wrote, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Live together. Walk together. Synod.

Oh, before you go, I would like to make you aware of another anniversary. Next month marks the 30th year that Julie Wietzke has worked for Forward in Christ/The Northwestern Lutheran. For the past 19 years, she has served as managing editor of the magazine. As I see it, Julie’s work is characterized by faithfulness, thoroughness, and excellence. No doubt, you see it the same way. If you have an opportunity, congratulate Julie on her anniversary. She is a blessing from the Lord to our synod!

James Pope | FIC Editor

Author: James Pope
Volume 112, Number 10
Issue: October 2025